Top tips for career planning over the break

As everyone creeps towards the end of term the collective sigh of relief is palpable . I am sure many of you have plans for the break and also have lots of university work to do. However for all of you,  especially those in the final year, meeting friends and family will probably involve the question ‘ What are you going to do when to finish your degree?’

The break will give you time to reflect and prepare for the next stage of the course and the all important career planning. So here are some top tips for some light- hearted and also more serious career preparation over the break and include some of the great things to do at this time of year.

1. Online games and puzzles – these can be a great way to practice for the psychometric tests that often arise as part of the application process. You can use the time to also practice taking the tests and see what you are good at and what you may need practice on.https://www.brighton.ac.uk/careers/looking-for-a-job/cvs-applications-and-interviews/assessment-centres/index.aspx
2. Observe –  if you are still unsure what career path to follow think and observe the work of  people who provide over Christmas and the roles they take. Retail management is an obvious area we see and understand but behind the scenes there are people working in transport and logistics to get  goods and people moved around. There are also careers in more emergency or just behind the scenes work such as health and social  care. Some require certain qualifications but many of these take graduates with any degree. Does anything like that appeal to you? Have a look at the Prospects website to find out more about career areas.  https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles
3. TV– whilst there is a lot of artistic licence in TV programmes sometimes what people are doing on screen can inspire us. Even if that doesn’t work for you, according to BAFTA who recently held a great event for Careers Advisers in Film and TV careers, there are loads of jobs in Film and TV that you wouldn’t necessarily think of. Alongside creative people Film and TV companies employ accountants, lawyers, engineers, medical staff, hospitality staff and teachers amongst others … so get investigating if you fancy working for one of these companies.   http://www.bafta.org/jobs
4. Walk – on your own or with the dog walking in fresh air can give you time to reflect on where you are heading. If you have some ideas and inspiration write them down as soon as you can. https://www.brighton.ac.uk/careers/looking-for-a-job/right-career/plan-your-career/index.aspx
5. Talk- to people who know you well and ask them what they think your key skills and strengths are. You may find on investigation people know others in the areas that interest you  and it can be good to find out  whether there is scope for you to observe them or do some job shadowing. https://www.brighton.ac.uk/careers/looking-for-a-job/find-a-job/networking/index.aspx
6. Skills – in an idle moment work on your skills audit and if you have one already add at least 5 new ones to it.
7. Mind Map- some people find this a good way to gather skills and evidence.
8. LinkedIn – this is becoming increasingly important so if you haven’t  got a profile already then use our excellent guide  to start one off and if you have one look to improve it.  https://www.brighton.ac.uk/careers/looking-for-a-job/find-a-job/using-linkedin/index.aspx
9. Plan– work out a plan for the New year and make a list of 5 things you need to do next in terms of career planning and goals
10. New Year resolution – implementing the above and sticking to it and amending it as needed.

Have a great break everyone  and see you in 2019.

Christian Collins via Compfight